“Describe or narrate a scenario about a beverage found two generations into a future in which a profound historical evolution has occurred. Your description should address issues related to health and elicit feelings of excitement.”
The year is 2070 and you have just been awoken by your AI robot Hugo, who has prepared your AM stimulant and the morning news report. The blinds open on your cue, and the smog-filled sky has a pink hue. Hugo reviews the news stories for July 31, 2070, that have been curated for you and the following topics are announced: Business, Climate Repair, Extraterrestrial Exploration, Arts and Culture, & Health and Wellness. You’ve been feeling overwhelmed lately and so you opt for the breaking and exciting news described in the Health and Wellness category by Hugo.
“This just in, Pfizer has been granted FDA approval for pharmaceutical Boba teas. After years of research and clinical trials, Pfizer has finally done it. They have created a new category of over-the-counter Boba Drinks with optional medication-infused pearls. The pearl drug options include an appetite suppressant, dopamine re-uptake inhibitor, analgesia and benzodiazepines.”
You ask Hugo to pause the feed as you reposition yourself in bed. Can this be true? Are we finally able to self-prescribe medications? A surge of excitement sets in. You ask Hugo to order one of each and a few extras for the children.
Reflection:
I opted to complete this assignment before completing the Module 12 readings. My goal was to reflect on my process and compare it to Speculate Everything by Dunne and Raby (2013). I was surprised by the accuracy with which they described my initial thought process. It was challenging for me to create a product and story without predictive undertones. Frederic Jameson (as cited in Dunne & Raby, 2013) noted that it is easier for us to imagine the end of the world than an alternative to capitalism. I must say this statement provided me with some relief and hope. As I worked through this creative assignment, it was hard not to focus on the issues we are experiencing today and predict a negative outcome. Dunne and Raby (2013) caution with predicting the future, noting the predictions have been proven wrong time and time again and, therefore, this activity is “pointless.” Perhaps if I had read Speculative Everything before this activity, I would have approached this activity with more optimism and created a design that highlights a beverage that is not only probable and possible but also positive! And one that highlights the kind of future that people want (Dunne & Raby, 2013).
Dunne, A., & Raby, F. (2013). Speculative everything: Design, fiction, and social dreaming. The MIT Press.